Fouzia Saeed’s book receives praise in US circles

Pakistani activist and writer, Dr. Fouzia Saeed’s book received praise in intellectual circles of United States. Her book ‘Working with Sharks,’ got published in USA and was released on the International Women’s Day. The book was published in Pakistan in early 2012 and is a case study, which narrated her story of fighting a sexual harassment case in the UN system. She describes the subtle dynamics and stigma that women reporting this behaviour suffer. She also talks about the work environment that perpetuates sexual harassment and intimidation, thus the book has lessons for managers and human resource professionals. The book refers to the anti-sexual harassment laws passed by the parliament in 2010 in its epilogue, which has shed a positive light on the democratic process of Pakistan. Many in Washington have expressed that they were not as aware of the positive struggles that took place in the country as media highlights the negative news more. President of the National Endowment for Democracy Carl Gershman said, “In ‘Working with Sharks,’ Fouzia Saeed tells a riveting story of her fight against the sexual harassment she endured at work in Pakistan. It is a lesson in how to effectively resist injustice. It is also an inspiring example of how an individual, using her political imagination and organizational talent, can turn a personal humiliation into a national movement for fundamental social change. Fouzia Saeed’s story will resonate with Americans who remember Rosa Parks and understand how a single woman, standing her ground, can change history.” The book has earned her applaud in US as universities like Stanford and George Washington are inviting her to speak on the issue. Pamela Constable, author of Pakistan on Fire said, “More subtle than a tale of feudal gang rape or honour killing, this victim’s account of sly sexual harassment in the Pakistani office of a UN agency makes your blood boil all the same. Told in unflinching detail, it exposes the casual impunity of abusive men...where even professional women can be treated as sexual prey, silenced by shame and thwarted by bureaucratic indifference. Brava to Fouzia Saeed for breaking the silence.” Through amazon the book will be available internationally. A Japanese professor who looks forward to its availability in Japan Chizuko Ueno teaching at University of Tokyo said “The author of Taboo on sex workers now challenges the taboo at her own work at the UN. Wherever there is male dominance, sexual harassment is likely to take place, and the UN is no exception. Only through such individual and collective struggles, gender equality can be achieved.” Dr Fouzia’s book Taboo was translated in Japanese two years ago and is popular in University Departments of Cultural Studies. A few days before at her address at the Stanford University organised by Stanford Association of International Development, Dr Fouzia said, “People in the USA find out about our problems but we want you to appreciate our struggles.” She said violence against women is a universal problem we need to build solidarity across the globe and focus on struggles and solutions. Via The News http://www.thenews.com.pk/Todays-News-6-164355-Fouzia-Saeeds-book-receives-praise-in-US-circles